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Owner description: Rosslyn Chapel, dating back to 1446, is just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre and is open to visitors all year. The Chapel's setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have attracted and intrigued visitors for generations. A starring role in The Da Vinci Code propelled it into the international spotlight. There are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel and our tour guides will be able to tell you more about these, and the building's history, when you visit. Please note that photography inside the Chapel is not allowed but there are no restrictions on outside photography. New visitor centre with touch-screen technology, letting you see the carvings close up; gift shop and good coffee shop. Full details of how to get here and what to see and do is on our website.

Alan was more than generous to share his abundant knowledge and passion for the history of this amazing place after we had missed the start of the official tour. He made our day and greatly enhanced our experience at Rosslyn. Thanks Alan!

Ask ElyseGD about Rosslyn Chapel

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Ian G, Director at Rosslyn Chapel, responded to this reviewResponded July 24, 2013

Thank you for visiting and for posting this review. I'm delighted that you enjoyed your visit so much and will make sure that your kind words are passed on to Alan.

Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The craftsmanship of the stone masons who built this miniature cathedral is outstanding. Although it is only a chapel it is worthy of a visit as it is like a mini Chartres or Milan cathedral. However, because it is much smaller you are able to view all the stonework up close and in detail and the craftsmanship is exceptional. A new visitor centre, shop and cafe are also available on site and the building housing these facilities is contemporary with alot of light, glass and wood. It looks very stylish and makes the most of the outdoors as well.

Ask 626Alicia about Rosslyn Chapel

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I visited Rosslyn Chapel on a busy day, however on entering the Chapel I felt that I had left the world behind. The beauty and tranquility overpowers you,it is small in size but big in interest. Every inch is packed with mystery. Adults pay £9 to visit and £7 concession. However there are church services on a Sunday you can attend free of charge.

Ask BigLouis about Rosslyn Chapel

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Before Dan Brown’s the best-selling novel “The Da Vinci Code” published, or before the movie was made from it, Roslyn Chapel was just a small chapel located in a quiet town of Roslin, Scotland. This suspense/thriller movie (2006) set scene in Rosslyn Chapel as a part of movie setting. Since then the Chapel has become the focus point of tourism outside of the Edinburgh. The stories of freemasons and the knights of templar draw many controversial discussions over the subjects of Jesus’ blood line and whereabouts of the Holy Grail. Apart from all these hot debates and speculations, Rosslyn Chapel is a place upholds its own historical significance. This old Gothic structure with most ornated interior is all of free stone. Founded by Sir William St. Clair, the first Earl, and built by highly skilled craftsmen in 1446, this small chapel was a small part of Sir William’s original cathedral plan, it has so many ornate carvings out of almost every surface of the interior. Skilled masons worked diligently with the carpenters who built templates and models and then masons carved them into visual forms of symbols, plants, Biblical figures and stories, knight on horseback, codes of conduct, kings and queens. They are all over the ceiling, pillars, corners and vaulted arches. Each carved art form has its own interpretation that makes its related story extruded from the surface. There is no photo allowed inside the Chapel. The knowledge staff on duty will speak to the seated audience inside the chapel and laminated fact sheets are provided for the visitors during the introductions and tours. Staff uses the laser pointer to locate the subject of discussion. After the session visitors are permitted to wonder inside/outside garden, visit the crypt or get close-up looks at the subjects with references from the fact sheet. The most intrigue art work done by the masons is the legend of a murder by the master mason out of rage of jealousy when his apprentice carved out a pillar during his absence that was far more elaborately beautiful than his master’s. Master mason struck apprentice’ head with sharp tool and killed him outright. For the punishment masons carved his face on the opposite of the corner looking at his apprentice’s pillar for the rest of his eternal life. Besides his face, the face of the injured apprentice with cut on his forehead, face of his grieving mother over the death of her son. The story has been repeatedly told generations after. Other carvings worth of seeing are the carved angel playing the bagpipes, knight escorted future Queen Margaret, image of Christ, image of Sir William, 7 deadly sins and 7 heavenly virtues, green man faces (symbol of paganism). Out of high demands in tourism after the Hollywood fiction, Visitor’s center was completed in Dec. 2012, with audio and video displays for the Chapel's structures and stories and the toilet facility for the visitors. It’s connected to the church’s open courtyard. To get there from Edinburgh, you take bus Lothian # 15 from bus stop PS on Princes Street direction to Penicuik . Bus stop is near the Edinburgh Castle on the same side. Journey takes around 1 hr. to Roslin’s Main Street. A day pass cost not much more than a return ticket is recommended, you can use it for all day within the Edinburgh till midnight.

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Ask unescotravelbug about Rosslyn Chapel

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I loved it. This is very small but so rich. I m amazed by the details. The guide was very nice, he had some funny stories and he spoke very slowly for the foreigners.I had a nice lunch and the team was very friendly as well.The bus stop (bus 15 or 40) is 1 mn walk from the chapel.

Ask catounets about Rosslyn Chapel

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.